Get Ready for the Conclave







CII – IWN SOUTHERN REGION ANNUAL LEADERSHIP CONCLAVE 2024
7-8 February 2024, Bengaluru


In the labyrinth of leadership, passion emerges as the North Star, guiding us towards fulfilment and impact is not a consequence; it is a deliberate act of leadership. Change is the heartbeat of progress.

The CII IWN – Southern Region Say Yes Leadership Conclave 2024 highlights the pivotal role women play in driving meaningful change. Whether within corporate boardrooms, community organizations, or global initiatives, our collective strength lies in our ability to be architects of transformation. This is the 5th edition of the leadership conclave and is scheduled on 7-8 February 2024 in Bengaluru.

The theme of the conclave is "Passion. Impact. Change" and looks to encapsulate the essence of women's leadership, emphasizing the emotional and strategic dimensions that drive positive transformation. Each element of the theme contributes to creating a holistic narrative that goes beyond traditional discussions on leadership and embraces the multifaceted nature of women's roles in various fields.




Passion:

Passion is the driving force that sustains leadership and influences the culture, motivation, and success of the teams and organizations. It transforms leadership from a mere job into a purposeful journey, making a significant impact on both personal and organizational levels.

Say Yes 2024 looks to Embrace Personal Drive and reflect on and celebrate consistency, commitment, and enthusiasm. It underscores the idea that true leadership stems from a genuine passion for one's work and a deep sense of purpose.

Sessions are structured to Foster Motivation as leaders inspire and motivate others. The conference will explore how harnessing and communicating effectively can be a powerful tool for building effective teams, driving innovation, and navigating challenges.


Impact:

Strategic Influence involves creating positive and lasting change and the conclave will delve into strategies and approaches that leaders employ to make a tangible impact in their respective fields.

The discussions look beyond the lens of professional achievements into the broader societal and organizational changes that result from effective leadership. Impactful leaders leave a lasting legacy, and the conclave will feature changemakers narrating their journey and showcasing how actions today can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable future.


Change:

In leadership, change is not just inevitable; it's integral. Our theme propels participants enthusiastically embrace the dynamic nature of their roles and industries. It cultivates a mindset where change isn't a challenge but a powerful opportunity for unprecedented growth.Change also involves advocating for broader societal shifts. Discussions will focus on how women leaders can engage in policy advocacy to bring about systemic changes that benefit not only individuals but entire communities.

The CII IWN Say Yes Leadership Conclave 2024 aims to catalyse a positive transformation in the landscape of women's leadership across diverse sectors and feature discussions on women leadership in manufacturing, technology, IT/ITES, entrepreneurship, personal branding, and policy advocacy.

By intertwining passion, impact, and change, the conclave conference seeks to create a narrative that goes beyond individual accomplishments, aiming to inspire and equip women leaders to make a meaningful difference in their professional spheres and society at large. The interconnectedness of these themes emphasizes the idea that leadership is a dynamic and purpose-driven journey that, when fuelled by passion, can lead to impactful and transformative change.


Defining Leadership:

In the dynamic landscape of leadership, women are emerging as architects of change, igniting a paradigm shift with their commitment to passion, impact, and transformative leadership. The IWN leadership development initiative serves as an enabler for women to navigate the intricate realms of executive roles, offering a transformative journey that transcends traditional boundaries.

Pew Research highlights that the issue of having more female leaders goes far beyond equality in the workplace. Four-in-ten of them (38%) say having more women in top leadership positions in business and government would do a lot to improve the quality of life for all women. (Source: PEW Research - https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends)

Leadership is a complex and multifaceted trait, and successful leaders, whether male or female, often draw on a combination of these qualities based on their unique personalities, experiences, and contexts.

The Pew Research paper also highlighted that women are more likely than men to say that female leaders in both politics and business outperform male leaders on most of the traits and characteristics tested in the survey!

So – Say Yes to a sisterhood that upholds leadership and transformation!


Mentoring Leadership:

Leaders often recognize the importance of mentorship and the development of others. They may actively mentor aspiring leaders, and work towards creating opportunities for career growth and advancement.

Revisiting the Pew Research Center report on mentoring, 63% of women have never had a formal mentor and it’s clear that they’re missing out. Statistics from February 2022 indicate that 90% of workers who have a mentor report being happy in their job and that employees who are involved in mentoring programmes have a 50% higher retention rate than those not involved. 25% of employees who enrolled in a mentoring program had a salary-grade change, compared to only 5% of workers who did not participate, and mentees are promoted 5 times more often than those without mentors.

Mentorship is a powerful tool for empowering women to break through the glass ceiling. It provides a supportive relationship that goes beyond formal education and training, addressing the unique challenges women may face in their professional journeys. The guidance, advocacy, and support provided by mentors can make a significant difference in helping women overcome obstacles and reach their full leadership potential.

Say Yes looks to feature the IWN – SR EVEmpower Mentorship initiative and the Impact the initiative has enabled in career transformations.


Advocacy for Women Leadership:

Advocacy for women leaders and women in workplaces involves addressing and dismantling the barriers that hinder their representation in leadership roles. It's crucial to recognize that these barriers are often rooted in societal and institutional factors. It is also true that women are more likely to highlight these systemic challenges as obstacles to their advancement than men.

Within an organisation, it means, creating an ecosystem that may address biases in recruitment and promotion processes to ensure that women have a level playing field. It also means advocating for increased representation of women in decision-making bodies, including boards of directors and executive committees. Diversity in leadership contributes to better decision-making and organizational success.

UN Women Statistics reveal that as of 15 September 2023, there are 26 countries where 28 women serve as Heads of State and/or Government. It goes on to state that at the current rate, gender equality in the highest positions of power will not be reached for another 130 years!

And why do we need equal representation in policy making? A research on panchayats in India discovered that the number of drinking water projects in areas with women-led councils was 62 per cent higher than in those with men-led councils. In Norway, a direct causal relationship between the presence of women in municipal councils and childcare coverage was found.* (source UN Women Website)

Advocacy efforts can contribute to breaking down the barriers that hold women back from achieving greater representation in top leadership ranks. It requires a collaborative effort from individuals, organizations, and policymakers to create a more inclusive and equitable landscape for women in leadership.

The Say Yes to advocacy is our endeavour to fuel synergies and co-creating an ecosystem of Gender Partnerships and Advocacy leaving no one behind!


Leaders & Brand Building:

George Eliot, Novelist and Poet said, “It is never too late to be what you might have been.”

Branding involves consciously shaping and promoting image and reputation. Personal branding, in the context of leadership, involves consciously shaping and promoting one's image, values, and expertise to establish credibility and influence.

About 82% of respondents to a study on brand building conducted in US in 2022 said that women would be more successful leaders if they had a personal brand plan. Ironically, the majority (55%) do not have a personal brand plan! In many cases, it was highlighted that Women doubt their own accomplishments and capabilities, experiencing imposter syndrome, which hinders efforts to build a personal brand.

Saying Yes to Branding is the way to ensuring change and impact! The showcase leadership event will feature discussions, spotlight and masterclass on effective brand building.

To conclude, referencing a line from the previous conclave - each one of us as allies, irrespective of gender needs to step in to advocate for equity and inclusion. This is a continuous journey and will enable the creation of an environment where women feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive in leadership roles.

We invite you to explore and Say Yes to the best in you!

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) works to create and sustain an environment conducive to the development of India, partnering Industry, Government and civil society, through advisory and consultative processes.

CII is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry-led and industry-managed organization, with around 9000 members from the private as well as public sectors, including SMEs and MNCs, and an indirect membership of over 300,000 enterprises from 286 national and regional sectoral industry bodies.

For more than 125 years, CII has been engaged in shaping India's development journey and works proactively on transforming Indian Industry's engagement in national development. CII charts change by working closely with Government on policy issues, interfacing with thought leaders, and enhancing efficiency, competitiveness and business opportunities for industry through a range of specialized services and strategic global linkages. It also provides a platform for consensus-building and networking on key issues.

Extending its agenda beyond business, CII assists industry to identify and execute corporate citizenship programmes.

Partnerships with civil society organizations carry forward corporate initiatives for integrated and inclusive development across diverse domains including affirmative action, livelihoods, diversity management, skill development, empowerment of women, and sustainable development, to name a few.

As India completes 75 years of Independence in 2022, it must position itself for global leadership with a long-term vision for India@100 in 2047. The role played by Indian industry will be central to the country's progress and success as a nation. CII, with the Theme for 2022-23 as Beyond India@75: Competitiveness, Growth, Sustainability, Internationalisation has prioritized 7 action points under these 4 sub-themes that will catalyze the journey of the country towards the vision of India@100.

With 62 offices, including 10 Centres of Excellence, in India, and 8 overseas offices in Australia, Egypt, Germany, Indonesia, Singapore, UAE, UK, and USA, as well as institutional partnerships with 350 counterpart organizations in 133 countries, CII serves as a reference point for Indian industry and the international business community.

Click here to know more about CII


Confederation of Indian Industry
The Mantosh Sondhi Centre
23, Institutional Area, Lodi Road, New Delhi - 110 003 (India)
T: 91 11 45771000 / 24629994-7
E: info@cii.in W: www.cii.in

Women account for 48% of India's population, but have not been equal beneficiaries of the country's economic growth. India slipped to the 112th spot (from its 108th position in 2018) in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index 2020 which covered 153 economies. Only one-quarter of women compared with 82% of men, engage actively in the labour market - one of the lowest participation rates in the world. Women account for 14% of leadership roles and 30% of professional and technical workers. Female political representation remains a concern too: 14.4% of the parliament and 23% of the cabinet.

The ongoing COVID 19 pandemic has also served to accentuate the problem.

In 2013, CII launched the Indian Women Network (IWN) with a vision of co-creatingecosystems that enable women to live up to their full economic potential. Through advocacy, knowledge creation and on-ground interventions, IWN strives to promote equal opportunities for women to participate, grow and flourish in the Indian economy. With presence in 16 States, 8 Zones and 1 Union Territory across India, IWN actively engage its members on leadership, wellbeing, gender diversity, mentorship & networking.

IWN works towards enabling women to become better professionals and achievers in their respective fields through initiatives and activities to facilitate a supportive network; a platform to learn and exchange ideas and an avenue to network and grow. This is supplemented by exposing women to new opportunities presented by the ecosystem with the objective of inclusion and growth of women in the workforce and in enhancing their contribution to the progress of India.

IWN is spread around the country; in the cities of Delhi, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Assam, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Aurangabad, Pune, Kolhapur, Indore, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore, Salem and Erode.

With 9 active chapters across Southern States, IWN is actively engaging its members across policy advocacy, leadership, wellbeing, gender diversity, mentorship and networking. IWN works to ensure that women are an intrinsic & equitable partners in the workforce through initiatives that will have an impact on their lives, livelihood and in getting growth back. In line with the CII's theme for its 125th year, "Building India for the New World", IWN pledges to build an inclusive, sustainable and a balanced nation by instilling gender parity across all forms of economic participation.

Click here to know more about IWN

Register now!

Say Yes Today!


Delegate Fee (per head) is given below:

Members (IWN / CII / Yi / Partners) INR 4,000/- + 18% tax
Non-Members INR 5,000/- + 18% tax


Register


Venue:

Taj West End
Race Course Road, High Grounds
Bengaluru
Meet Our

Steering Committee



Ms Lakshmi Mukkavilli

Lakshmi Mukkavilli

Chairwoman - IWN-SR &
Managing Director
Patra India BPO Services

Ms Shirin Salis

Shirin Salis

Deputy Chairwoman - IWN-SR &
Vice President – Human Resource
Trane Technologies, India

Ms Shalini Warrier

Shalini Warrier

Past Chairwoman – IWN-SR &
Executive Director & Business Head – Retail
Federal Bank

Ms Hema Mani

Hema Mani

Lead - Leadership Development Vertical – IWN-SR &
Regional Director – HR
Lennox India

Ms Hema A Srinivas

Hema M Srinivas

Co-lead, Leadership Development – IWN-SR &
Talent Enhancement Consultant

Ms Rajani Seshadri

Rajani Seshadri

Past Chairwoman IWN-SR &
Co-Founder and Director
IndePenn Connections Pvt Ltd

Ms Shobha Dixit

Shobha Dixit

Past Chairwoman, IWN-SR &
Director
Alpla India Ltd

Ms Gowri Kailasam

Gowri Kailasam

Co-Lead – Women in Manufacturing – IWN-SR &
Chief Executive Officer
Rane Madras Ltd

Dr Sindhuja Varma

Sindhuja Varma

Lead – Mentorship Vertical – IWN-SR &
Director
Antara Consultancy

Ms Nandini Sarkar

Nandini Sarkar

Lead – Branding Vertical – IWN-SR &
Global Leader – Diversity 360, Culture and Belonging
Hitachi Energy

Ms Divya Medar

Divya G. Medar

Co-lead, Branding & Communications Vertical, CII IWN SR &
Co-Founder & Director
SnackerStreet Pvt Ltd

Dr T Vasudha

T Vasudha

Lead-Policy & Advocacy - CII IWN-SR &
Head – Wellness & CSR
Brandix India Apparel City

Dr Uma Aysola

Uma Aysola

Lead, Health & Wellbeing Vertical – IWN-SR &
Director (Global) Communications & Partner Engagement
ACCESS Health International

Ms Kirthika Shivkumar

Kirthika Shivkumar

Vice Chairwoman – IWN Tamil Nadu &
Executive Director
The Indian Public School

Ms Savitha Jagadeesan

Savitha Jagadeesan

Co-Lead, Policy & Advocacy Vertical – IWN-SR &
Senior Resident Partner
Kochhar & Co

Ms Nandita Sethi

Nandita Sethi

Co-Lead, Women as Entrepreneurs – IWN-SR &
Founder & Managing Director
The Entrepreneur Zone

Dr Usha Pantula

Usha Pantula

Co-Lead – Mentorship Vertical – IWN-SR &
Corporate Trainer

Ms Anupamaa V

Anupamaa V

Co-Lead, IWN-SR Vertical on
Policy & Advocacy & Managing Partner
AVRC Legal & Dr Kainth Associates LLP

Ms Bincy Baby

Bincy Baby

Chairwoman – IWN Kerala &
Founder
Itszerene Digital Services Pvt Ltd

Ms Sajana Shankaran

Sajana Shankaran

Chairwoman – IWN Karnataka &
Head of APAC People Partner
Branch International

Ms Rebecca Stanley

Rebecca Stanley

Executive Partner
Sharon Enterprises

Meet Our

Speakers



Kamal Bali

Kamal Bali

CII-SR Chairman & Managing Director
Volvo Group, India

R Nandini

R Nandini

CII-SR Deputy Chairperson & Managing Director
Chandra Textiles Pvt Ltd

Vanitha Datla

Vanitha Datla

Past Chairwoman, IWN – SR & Vice Chairperson
Elico Ltd.

Arundhati Katju

Arundhati Katju

Advocate
Supreme Court of India

Ambi M G Parameswaran

Ambi M G Parameswaran

Brand Strategist, Founder
Brand-Building.com

Deepthi Ravula

Deepthi Ravula

Chief Executive Officer
WE HUB

Deepti Das

Deepti Das

HR Business Partner
Hitachi Energy India

Harishankar Krishnan

Harishankar Krishnan

Chief Transformation Officer
ONDC

Jayant Paleti

Jayant Paleti

Co-Founder
Darwinbox

Kalpana Viswanath

Kalpana Viswanath

Co-Founder & CEO
Safetipin

Mahesh Medhekar

Mahesh Medhekar

Vice President - Human Relations
Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI)

Mythily Ramesh

Mythily Ramesh

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
NextWealth

Navya Mastaniah

Navya Mastaniah

Senior Programme Manager
Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India

Pragathi Kiran

Pragathi Kiran

AGM - Operations
Patra India BPO Services Pvt Ltd

Preethi Rajagopalan

Preethi Rajagopalan

Dance Movement Therapy Practitioner

Ramadevi Agali

Ramadevi Agali

Senior Engineering Section Manager
GE Aerospace

Rama Krishna Dasari

Rama Krishna Dasari

Managing Director
Efftronics Systems Pvt. Ltd.

Shefali Bansal

Shefali Bansal

Director
OpenShift Engineering, Red Hat

Shilpa Vaid

Shilpa Vaid

Chief HR Officer
Diageo India

Sridhar Dharmarajan (DS)

Sridhar Dharmarajan (DS)

Executive Vice President and MD
Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, India

Subba Vaidyanathan

Subba Vaidyanathan

CEO Mentor, Leadership Coach, & Co-Founder
Sattvaa Pte Ltd, Singapore

Sunitha Natarajan

Sunitha Natarajan

Partner, Technology Consulting
Ernst & Young LLP

Tushar Vashisht

Tushar Vashisht

Co-founder and CEO
Healthify

Uma Sudhir

Uma Sudhir

Executive Editor
NDTV

Vijaykrishnan Venkatesan

Vijaykrishnan Venkatesan

Managing Director
Kennametal India Limited (KIL)

Vasudha Krishnaswamy

Vasudha Krishnaswamy

Finance Controller-India ETCs
Climate ETC Technology Services Private Limited

Zubin Varghese

Zubin Varghese

Senior Director – Innovation
Trane Technologies

Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor




Gold Sponsor




Silver Sponsors




Bronze Sponsors




Banking Partner




Documentation Sponsor




Session Sponsors




Corporate Contributor



Download Whitepaper on Women Leadership in Workplace: Takeways from the Conclave


Key Takeaways of the Conclave 2022


Key Takeaways of the Conclave Day 1
Key Takeaways of the Conclave Day 2
Key Takeaways of the Conclave Day 3